Chewy Salicornia Salad (Se-bal-namul Muchim)
A Delightful Salicornia Salad with a Fun, Chewy Texture
Salicornia, also known as ‘Se-bal-namul’ in Korean, is a unique sea vegetable that thrives in tidal flats, absorbing the ocean’s salinity. It’s a popular ingredient among coastal communities and a fantastic, budget-friendly addition to your meals. This recipe transforms it into a wonderfully chewy and flavorful salad, perfect as a side dish. Its unique texture is surprisingly addictive, and the simple seasoning highlights its fresh, oceanic taste. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick and healthy meal.
Main Ingredients
- 500g Salicornia (Se-bal-namul)
- 1/3 medium Onion
- 1 Red chili
Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- A little Sesame oil
- A little Toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- A little Sesame oil
- A little Toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the salicornia. Rinse it multiple times under running water, gently rubbing to remove any dirt or sand. Ensuring it’s clean is key for a delicious result.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the washed salicornia and blanch for just 3 minutes. Be mindful not to overcook it, as this will diminish its signature chewy texture.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, plunge the salicornia into a bowl of cold water. This rapid cooling helps to preserve its crispness and refreshing texture. Once cooled, gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible with your hands.
Step 4
Prepare the vegetables. Cut the salicornia into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm long. Thinly slice the onion and finely chop the red chili, removing the seeds if you prefer less heat.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the flavorful seasoning. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of doenjang, 1 tablespoon of gochujang, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Mix well until smooth.
Step 6
Place the prepared salicornia, sliced onion, and chopped red chili into a larger mixing bowl. Pour all of the prepared seasoning over the vegetables.
Step 7
Gently toss and mix the ingredients with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Avoid vigorous mixing, as this can make the salicornia mushy. A gentle massage is best.
Step 8
To finish, drizzle a little sesame oil for added aroma and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor. Adjust the amounts of sesame oil and seeds to your preference.
Step 9
And there you have it – a wonderfully chewy and flavorful salicornia salad! This simple yet impressive dish is ready to be enjoyed. It’s a fantastic way to add a unique taste and texture to your meal.
